{"id":12732,"date":"2026-04-13T08:47:55","date_gmt":"2026-04-13T12:47:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.packagingindustrynews.com\/?p=12732"},"modified":"2026-04-13T08:47:55","modified_gmt":"2026-04-13T12:47:55","slug":"portugal-starts-volta-return-scheme-for-plastic-and-metal-drink-containers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.packagingindustrynews.com\/?p=12732","title":{"rendered":"Portugal starts Volta return scheme for plastic and metal drink containers"},"content":{"rendered":"


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Volta DRS machines. Credit: Sensoneo. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

Portugal has launched the Volta deposit return system (DRS), making it the first country in continental southern Europe to introduce a full-scale programme of this kind.<\/p>\n

The national scheme applies to single-use plastic drinks bottles and metal cans made of aluminium or steel with a capacity of less than three litres. However, glass is not included.<\/p>\n

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Consumers pay a \u20ac0.10 deposit on each eligible container.<\/p>\n

The amount is repaid in full when the item is returned at any authorised collection point, irrespective of where it was bought.<\/p>\n

At the start of the rollout, the system covers approximately 2,500 reverse vending machines.<\/p>\n

Volta is overseen by SDR Portugal \u2013 Associa\u00e7\u00e3o de Embaladores, a government-licensed non-profit body, while Sensoneo supplies the IT system behind the scheme.<\/p>\n

Its platform handles container registration, collection, reverse logistics and financial clearing across the system.<\/p>\n

The operational setup also includes logistics arrangements for the collection, transport, counting and settlement of returned containers.<\/p>\n

The Portuguese model required broader logistics integration involving several operators, additional warehouse management functions, and links with government systems for compliance with waste transport documentation rules.<\/p>\n

TOMRA Collection is supplying reverse vending equipment for the programme.<\/p>\n

Tomra Collection Portugal managing director Paulo Borges said: \u201cPortugal\u2019s DRS is a transformative step toward a cleaner environment and a more circular economy. By making it easy for citizens to return drink containers for recycling, we are reducing waste, improving material recovery, and accelerating the transition to a truly circular system.\u201d<\/p>\n

Dutch reverse vending machine manufacturer Envipco is the sole supplier of bulk-feed systems for Volta.<\/p>\n

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